NY Hyortik AYF Chapter
69-23 47th Ave.
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 651-1530
hyortik@gmail.com
October 8, 2008
For Immediate Release

Hyortik Chapter Leads Greater New York Community in Marking AYF 75th
Anniversary

NEW YORK – On October 5 the New York Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Hyortik
chapter led the Greater New York Armenian community in commemorating the
AYF’s 75th anniversary. The event gathered members from local organizations
such as Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, Armenian Relief Society chapters, and
representatives from the Republic of Armenia’s Mission to the United
Nations. Also present were St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church pastor Rev.
Fr. Nareg Terterian, St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral pastor
Rev. Fr. Mesob Lakissian, Bishop Anoushavan Tanelian from the Armenian
Prelacy. The capacity crowd joined the AYF at the Armenian Center in
Woodside, N.Y., to recall the historical significance of the organization’s
founding and to honor its continued strength today.

After the singing of Mer Hairenik chapter executive member Sossi Essajanian
welcomed clergy and guests. "Returning to our roots and for 75 years
thereafter we continue to show that from the AYF’s tree blooms youth that
stand guard for Armenia’s rights today, tomorrow and always," she said.
Following this introduction Hyortik executive member Razmig Haroun addressed
the audience on behalf of the chapter. In his remarks he talked about
continuing the ideals and vision of AYF founder General Karekin Nejdeh. He
said that what was given to the youth after 75 years today’s members will
take as a foundation for the next 75 years.

Turing to the AYF’s work today Haroun talked about Armenia. He said, "Today
Armenia is facing many changes, in particular in relations with its
neighbors. Just as always the Armenian Youth Federation made its voice heard
during [Turkish President Abdullah] Gul’s [recent] visit [to Armenia] not
with hatred but proving that there are people who defend Armenia’s rights
and reiterate that friendship requires mutual respect otherwise it is a
mockery." Haroun concluded by stating again the thread of continuity – the
ideals – celebrated this evening: that the AYF is always read to serve the
Armenian nation. Here he recalled Nejdeh’s words about the timeless nature
of ideas: "It is only the idea that does not have a death, neither a casket
nor a grave."

Next the St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School students took the stage to
recite Baruyr Sevag’s "Mer Oukhduh," followed by a singing of "Artyok Ovker
en." Hyortik member Nanor Harutunian then gave a historical and educational
presentation about the AYF, in particular its work in the Greater New York
area. Presented in both Armenian and English Harutunian explained the
reasons for the founding, the aim of the first convention, and some programs
as they were carried out by the Hyortik chapter. She continued to discuss
the acquisition of AYF Camp Haiastan in 1940, emergence of political
activity in the 1960s, the establishment of the National Junior Seminar in
1971, and the Tri-Regional seminar in the 1980s. The historical portion also
highlighted the "Tebi Yerkir" outreach program established in the 1990s that
featured a summer internship program in Armenia. She then turned to the AYF
and in particular the Hyortiks today, talking about the over 1000 members
fleshing out the strong ranks of the organization regionally today. Her
presentation covered the Olympics in recent years, the organization’s
ungeragan spirit, its focus on an educational foundation, efforts on the
political front, and work with the AYF junior organization.

Harutunian concluded that the AYF stands as the leading Armenian-American
youth organization. She said that with its various programs and emphasis on
leadership and nationalistic spirit the AYF continues to serve as a
gathering place for the youth wherever they live. Her presentation was also
accompanied by a slide show of more than 70 images ranging from the founding
AYF convention, to pictures of an AYF baseball team, to the building of Camp
Haiastan and camping trips in the 1970s. Later slides depicted the Hyortiks
as they remembered slain journalist Hrant Dink, celebrated the Artaskh
Liberation Struggle, and celebrated anniversaries of the Khanasor Expedition
and the Lisbon 5 event.

Following these comments a short documentary was presented by Hyortik member
Justin Kaladjian. The film featured interviews with members from different
generations who passed through the ranks of the AYF Hyortik chapter.
Interviewees talked about the AYF’s activities when they were members, how
they served the local community, and their constant focus on keeping the
Armenian spirit alive in the youth while standing guard for the Armenian
Cause. All generations also emphasized the fraternal spirit that is the
bedrock of the organization.

The stage was then given to the Hyortik juniors to contribute their
reflections on AYF’s 75 years. Junior chapter president Mesak Sarkissian
spoke briefly about the role of the AYF in the Armenian community at large
stating that the New York junior chapter is active and vibrant. "Inspired by
our past and motivated by the needs of our people, we are always ready and
willing to work in furtherance of the Armenian cause. We realize that we are
the future of the Armenian community and we are ready and willing to do our
part. Through our dedication and enthusiasm we are united in our commitment
for a free, independent and united Armenia."

The ARF Armen Garo Gomideh also offered a few words of reflection presented
by unger Hrant Markarian. In his comments Markarian talked about the youth
and the future, first reflecting on the importance of the organization’s
foundation. He said, "For 75 years you dedicated your lives and today that
organization lives and breathes in all of us." He also spoke about the
vision of AYF founder Karekin Nejdeh; he said, "[He] was not just a person
but an idea," and with this thought asked today’s youth to continue building
on his vision.

Finally Bishop Anoushavan Tanelian spoke about the continued spirit of the
youth. He said, "Today is a day of celebration. When we leave this center we
will all feel a bit younger." Tanelian also spoke about the establishment of
the organization 75 years ago by Nejdeh and reflected on the impact of his
vision for the youth and the Armenian nation. "The youth are the backbone of
the community," he said and then turned his comments to the new cohort of
youth and stated that "What the past generations have not seen you will make
a reality."

After these concluding remarks the event ended with the singing of Harach
Nahadag after which current and former AYF members were invited on stage to
cut a cake brought in honor of the anniversary. Over 60 people filled the
stage for a "chapter" picture after which attendees mingled and enjoyed
refreshments to a background of Armenian patriotic music.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

(Photo credit on all photos: Tina Tcholakian)

Haroun: Hyortik executive member Razmig Haroun addressed the audience on
behalf of the Hyortik chapter

Students 2: St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School recited Baruyr Sevag’s
"Mer Oukhduh," and sang "Artyok Ovker en."

Cake1: current and former AYF members were invited on stage to cut a cake
brought in honor of the anniversary.

Group: Over 60 people filled the stage for a "chapter" picture